News ShortsAnnouncements and accomplishments.

Airplane crash survivor to speak at Women’s Leadership Conference

Mercedes Ramirez Johnson, a crash survivor who believes in second chances, will be a key presenter at the 2013 Women’s Leadership Conference set for Friday, Feb. 8 at the Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel. Ramirez Johnson will be joined by other speakers and presenters who will address this year’s conference theme “Lead the Change.” The conference and celebration are presented by Coastal Carolina University’s Women in Philanthropy and Leadership (WIPL).

Elise Testone tickets now available to the public

Tickets are now available to the general public for the upcoming Elise Testone concert Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Coastal Carolina University's Wheelwright Auditorium. Testone, a CCU alumna, wowed "American Idol" viewers for most of Season 11 and placed sixth in the top 10.

'Portfolios' exhibit showcases student works

Coastal Carolina University studio art and graphic design seniors will showcase their talents at the biannual Portfolios Exhibition Dec. 6 through 15 at the Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery. A closing reception will be held on Friday, Dec. 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. These events are free, with no ticket required, and are open to the public.

Paul Rice Poetry Contest winner announced

Coastal Carolina University English major Owen Macleod from Mountain Lakes, N.J., was recently named the winner of the 13th Paul Rice Poetry Broadside Series Contest. Macleod, a junior, won the contest with his poem “Splitting Worms.”

Atlantic Stage presents "Holiday Memories," stories by Truman Capote drawn from his childhood holidays in southern Alabama in the early 1930s, featuring “The Thanksgiving Visitor” and “A Christmas Memory.” The play will run weekly from Thursday to Sunday from Dec. 6 to Dec. 23.